Lucy Adelaide Hamilton

Lucy Hamilton hitched a ride on her favorite star leaving behind those who loved her and her beloved Mother Earth on May 27, 2025. She gently left but not before she established a community around clay that will forever be indebted to her. Her legacy will be the countless pots on countless dining tables used throughout the Southeast and beyond, but more importantly, the students and makers that because of her generosity will be teachers for many more.

Lucy was raised on a farm in Opa Locka, Alabama. Thus, establishing her roots in the soil and her connection to nature and all of its riches! She loved her garden, her pets, her flowers and her books. Her mother taught English at Auburn University, and it was here that Lucy learned a love of words.

Lucy received her BA in Ceramics from the University of Florida – Gainesville, moving to Avery County NC in 1976 to begin her life as a studio potter on the side of Beech Mountain, a remote location then, and a more remote career choice. She later established Adelaide Pottery in Newland. Her love of clay never faltered nor her desire to share that passion as she placed clay in as many hands possible, contributing many hours in the local school system. For Lucy, clay was the material in which she could fully experience the joy of practical process driven living. And she could easily transfer her lessons in clay to life lessons which she shared generously. Lucy received her MFA in Educational Media from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. A great lover of traditional pottery practices, during her graduate studies she filmed and produced a documentary on the NC Brown Family potters “Continuing a Family Tradition” confirming the rich traditions in clay.

A strong supporter of community, Lucy was an active member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild since 1986, taught at Appalachian State University School of Technology and the Craft Enrichment Program, John C. Campbell Folk School and at various invitational venues. Over the years she was a member of Blue Ridge Hearthside Crafts in Foscoe, Hands Gallery in Boone, and Expressions Craft Guild in Blowing Rock, where she met fellow maker Rodger Jacobs who became her soul mate and life partner.

Upon retiring from clay Lucy taught English as a Second Language at Mayland Community College, pleased to be able to empower many Avery County Residents. Making a difference was a key component in the heart of Lucy Hamilton.

Lucy leaves behind her life partner, Artist Rodger Jacobs; Brother James (Jimmy) M. Patterson and Niece Ana (Annie) Neu of Nashville, TN; and a multitude of clay people who will forever be grateful for her presence in their lives. May she wander the gardens of heaven, enjoying the incredible flora, fauna and sculpture with her beloved dog spirits at her side.

A covered dish Celebration of Life Ceremony and Give-Away will be held at their home/studio 183 Stover Ridge Rd. in Newland, NC starting at 1:00 pm Sunday July 27th. Rain date the following Sunday August 3rd. Carpooling recommended. Come and Celebrate Lucy’s rich and full life.

Donations in her name to the Avery County Humane Society are welcomed. www.averyhumane.org